Elastic Road Marking Profile With Integrated Light Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing road markings that incorporate luminescent components are not effectively visible to road users in dusky or nighttime conditions due to the limited energy from vehicle headlights and the short duration of irradiation, leading to reduced visibility over time.
Innovation Solution
A road marking system featuring a profile made of an elastic material with integrated luminescent components and light sources, where the light sources can be activated to maintain the luminescence of the road marking, allowing it to remain visible for an extended period without reliance on passing vehicle lights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a luminescent component is added to the road marking to make it visible in dusk, then visibility in dusk is improved, but the marking becomes invisible after some time due to limited energy from vehicle headlights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the continuity of useful action principle by integrating a power supply unit and control unit into the road marking system. The control unit continuously monitors the luminescent component's charge level and activates the power supply unit to recharge it, ensuring continuous illumination capability. This eliminates the temporary invisibility problem by maintaining the luminescent component's energy supply over extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The road marking system implements self-service through an autonomous control unit that detects when the luminescent component needs recharging and automatically activates the power supply unit. The system monitors its own energy status and manages its lighting function without external intervention, ensuring sustained visibility while minimizing energy consumption from vehicle headlights.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If light sources are installed in the road marking to maintain visibility, then duration of visibility is improved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lighting function with the road marking structure by integrating the power supply unit, control unit, and luminescent component directly into the marking itself. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate external lighting systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining extended visibility capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it manages the power supply unit's charging operation, monitors the luminescent component's charge level, and determines when lighting is needed. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components required, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving prolonged visibility.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If stationary lighting is used to ensure prolonged visibility, then duration of visibility is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by activating the power supply unit only when the luminescent component's charge level drops below a threshold, rather than continuously. The control unit monitors charge levels and recharges the luminescent component periodically, extending visibility while minimizing energy consumption from vehicle headlights and external power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit implements feedback by continuously monitoring the charge level of the luminescent component and adjusting the power supply unit's operation accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the system recharges only when necessary, optimizing the balance between prolonged visibility and energy consumption.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system ensures prolonged visibility of road markings to drivers and pedestrians by maintaining luminescence through controlled light source activation, reducing the need for stationary lighting and minimizing the risk of short-circuits, while being easy to install and remove without damaging the road surface.
Implementation Method 1
a luminescent component, which is to be installed in or on the road surface
Implementation Method 2
a luminescent component absorbs energy from daylight during the daytime, which effect is stronger when the sun shines
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a road marking comprising a profile comprising a luminescent component, which is to be installed in the road surface, in which profile one or more light sources are present and the aforesaid luminescent component is located above said one or more light sources. The profile is made of an elastic material, wherein the part of the profile present at the surface of the road surface is translucent.